Influence of quantum effects on the parameters of a cold cathode with carbon nanotubes

Abstract

We consider the effect of an external electric field on the parameters of a cold cathode on carbon nanotubes using the quantum-mechanical approach to the description of the interaction of the field with the atomic structure of nanoemitters. It is established for the first time that an increase in the length of the emitting edge of the tube in a field of 10–11 V/nm increases the field emission current of electrons by 3–10%. It is found that in a field of 11 V/nm and higher, atoms of the upper edge of a carbon nanotube are detached with the subsequent destruction of the atomic core.